There's always been a lot that makes each Spider-Man franchise iconic, from the villains and the costumes to the very actor bringing Peter Parker to life. But then, there's the love story––a quintessential element of Spider-Man. Tobey Maguire's franchise had Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane, Andrew Garfield's Peter had Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy, and Tom Holland's Spider-Man had Zendaya's MJ.
It's one of the most relatable aspects of the character. The person who, by all accounts, can't get the love of their lives, but tries anyhow.
The future of Maguire's Peter with Dunst's Mary Jane seemed promising by the end of Spider-Man 3, Andrew Garfield's time with Gwen Stacy ended with tragedy, and the last fans saw of Holland and Zendaya in the MCU, both of their characters' lives had been turned upside down.
Even more ironic is that each of those pairs actually dated in real life; Zendaya and Tom Holland are still together as of today. Funnily enough, No Way Home producer Amy Pascal notes that she warned the two of them not to date when they first signed on.
The Multiversal Spider-Man Love Life
In an interview with New York Times, Spider-Man: No Way Home producer Amy Pascal was asked about why all of their lead Spider-Man actors end up falling for each other in real life.
Pascal admitted that she actually separately "took Tom and Zendaya aside," and "gave them a lecture" ahead of filming Spider-Man: Homecoming, hoping to sway them from dating––as "it can complicate things":
"I took Tom and Zendaya aside, separately, when we first cast them and gave them a lecture. Don’t go there — just don’t. Try not to. I gave the same advice to Andrew and Emma. It can just complicate things, you know? And they all ignored me."
The Complicated Parker Love
It was always a fun coincidence seeing every Peter Parker fall in love with their co-star in real life for all three franchises. What's better is how even the films' producer Amy Pascal took notice and made an effort to keep it from happening.
Yet, the Parker love is too strong to stop. Sadly, Zendaya and Holland are the only two of the trio still together, so may the odds be ever in their favor. Hopefully, things don't get too awkward when the MCU eventually gets its own Gwen Stacy.
They at least have the now to be focused on. After all, their movie is quickly becoming one of the biggest films of all time––so there's probably plenty of celebrating in their future.
Spider-Man: No Way Home is playing in theaters worldwide.
